Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Savory bacon, sweet peas, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce—ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
02 -
6 slices bacon, chopped
03 -
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 -
1 tablespoon butter
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
11 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
12 -
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Discard excess grease, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pan.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the peas and cook for 2 minutes until just heated through.
04 -
Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 -
Return cooked pasta and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat, gradually adding reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
06 -
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan if desired.
# Important Notes:
01 -
Cook pasta to al dente to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.
02 -
Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor.
03 -
To prevent sauce from thickening too much, adjust with reserved pasta water.
04 -
Peas should be added at the end to preserve their color and tenderness.